The Best Picnic Spots in Calgary

Posted July 14th, 2015

The Best Picnic Spots in Calgary

If you love getting outdoors in the summer to eat among the trees, lie in the grass, take a canoe out on the water or play Frisbee with the dog, there is no better place to do it than a picturesque park. Calgary is dotted with beautiful parks for residents to enjoy, some along a river, others lined by giant fir trees and crossed by nature trails, and most with picnic areas, shelters, washroom facilities, and other amenities to make your outing a pleasant one.

We think these are the best picnic spots in Calgary. We would love to hear what you think are the best places to picnic in Calgary.

What: Located along the Bow River, Bowness Park is one of the most popular parks for picnicking and paddle boating in the summer. It has seven bookable picnic sites that can accommodate anywhere from 25 to 263 people, making it the largest picnic spots in the city as well. The park features fire pits and barbecue stands, shelters, a playground, a lagoon, paths, and washrooms, as well as the ParkSide Café for those who don’t enjoy a D-I-Y meal. Part of the park is currently undergoing re-development to repair flood damage.

What: Edworthy Park is a 169 hectare public park located at 5050 Spruce Dr. S.W. and Bow Trail, in the valley along the Bow River in southwest Calgary. Main attractions of the park include the Douglas Fir Trail, aptly named for the numerous Douglas Fir trees ‒ some 350 years old ‒ that line the trail, and the Lawrey Gardens. The park also features nine bookable picnic sites, playgrounds, washrooms, pathways and trails, barbecues and fire pits, benches and off-leash dog areas for city residents and visitors to enjoy all year round.

What: Don’t be fooled by the name. You will find neither sand nor beach at this park, but you do have access to the Bow River where you can launch your canoe or raft for a day on the water. On dry land, you will find six bookable picnic sites amidst the green space, most with a capacity up to 50 people, and two up to 100. There are fire pits and barbecue stands, as well as shelters and washrooms.

What: Located along the Elbow River, Stanley Park is a 21 hectare green space with multiple picnic areas and plenty of barbecues for your use. There are two picnic site along the river that can accommodate up to 50 people, but they fill up quickly so arrive early. The park also features a playground, tennis court, sports field, a lawn bowling facility, water fountains, an outdoor pool and washrooms.